Skolar Lands In Dubai To Learn
Lesson

London Skolars player/coach Alex Smits has recently spent a week in Dubai with the London Broncos in their training camp.

The move reinforces the strong link between the game's two capital clubs, and Smits was delighted to attend the camp.

Smits said: "I really enjoyed working with the guys over there picking up any useful practices that will improve our standards so that they closely mirror the likes of the Broncos and other Super League clubs."

"My time in Dubai is a positive for the Skolars and Rugby League in general in the London area, and I am looking forward to passing on everything I picked up while at the camp."

According to Smits the players can look forward to a variety of skills and defensive drills when he returns, to be performed at a high intensity which will improve overall fitness and agility.

SKOLARS PRE-SEASON GAME SCHEDULE COMPLETE

The London Skolars have completed their pre-season games schedule and have announced three pre-season friendlies to take place in January to start their 2004 campaign.
The Skolars, who are moving full steam ahead for their second year in the professional ranks, take on the, recently National League 3 promoted side, the Pro Plumb Essex Eels on January 18th, and then face the Great Britain student Amateur's side and Oxford University on January 25th where two sides will be fielded. Oxford University will provide a stern test after returning from a ground breaking tour to Lebanon and also will be a month away from the March 3rd Annual Varsity Match.

The upcoming trial matches will provide the Skolars with some quality opposition and give the coaching staff the opportunity to select their top squad of twenty-five, according to club chairman Hector McNeil. "These trials will give the coaching staff an indication what areas need improving and juggle some combinations within the side before our first Arriva Trains Cup game against Doncaster on February 1st,"McNeil commented.

Stuart Hogg, Chairman of the Pro Plumb Essex Eels had this to say "My lads can't wait to pit themselves against the Skolars. I once played for the Skolars so it will be great to see how far we have come. I hope this can become an annual match!"

The 2004 squad re-commenced training on January 5th at their new training venue at Finsbury Park. The new facility provides a running track, weights room and a floodlit training pitch. The Skolars, who are training three nights a week are looking strong and enthusiastic after the two week break and could well be a major force in the 2004 season and certainly should not be under estimated.

Sunday the 18th's game will kick off at 1.00 pm while the following weekend sees the Oxford game at 12.00 pm and the GB students game at 2.00 pm. This weekend will involve the complete Skolars squad. All Skolars fans are invited to attend the games and take a look at the new look squad.

The third round of the Challenge Cup has just been announced and sees the London Skolars hosting Rochdale-Mayfield on Saturday 7th February at New River Stadium. Please contact the club on 020 8888 8488 for further details. The game is scheduled for 3.00 pm.